Tuesday, February 04, 2014

The Old Amnesiac And The Sea

Jose said he desperately wanted to phone his family - his wife and his 10-year-old daughter - in El Salvador but he cannot remember the name of the village or a phone number. 'I have forgotten many things,' he told MailOnline.

Jose says he has even forgotten exactly how old he is. He 'believes' he is about 36 to 38, even though his ordeal has made him appear much older.

'He is here, with us, but he isn't here with us,' an interpreter who has spoken to Jose told MailOnline. 'He is still disorientated, there is no doubt about that.'

Questions have started to mount over his 'incredible' story that if true makes his one of the most amazing in maritime history.

Gee Bing, the acting secretary of foreign affairs for the Marshall Islands, said he was somewhat skeptical of Jose's account after meeting with him Monday.

Bing said the man had no identification with him and other details of his story remained sketchy, including the exact location of his departure from Mexico.

'It does sound like an incredible story and I'm not sure if I believe his story,' Bing said. 'When we saw him, he was not really thin compared to other survivors in the past. I may have some doubts. Once we start communicating with where he's from, we'll be able to find out more information.'